Judeo-Christian groups?

UU

Hi all!

I was wondering the other day are there any Christian groups who hold a lot of the former Jewish traditions, practises, culture, etc.? An example, is the very early Christians. They were still closely connected with the Jewish / Hebrew culture as they observed the friday - saturday shabbat, followed kosher diet, spoke Hebrew, dressed in traditional dress, prayed in the temples yet believed in Jesus Christ as their long awaited Messiah and God. Remember that Jesus himself was an observant Jew.

Christianity evolved rapidly into a different distinct culture under Roman influence especially in which the Roman Empire became Christianised. Now many Christians don't know Hebrew, pray in churches, etc. Christianity (especially Catholicism) now is (was) very Romanised - the Latin language, the Vatican in Rome, the architecture of the churches and even the whole way of thinking is different in ways. But are there still Eastern Christian groups who like to retain their Jewish roots in an accordance with the scriptures?

Puck

Messianic Jews are Jewish people who have accepted Jesus and are Christian, Perhaps these people would fit your description? Worth a google anyway. Their worship takes ages as far as I know, as it's a mix of the Jewish and Christian, so it can take hours to get through a service. My back wouldn't be up to it.

Excelsior

The early Jewish Christians did not speak Hebrew (as their first language). They spoke either Aramaic or Greek depending on their location. The New Testament letters have a couple of primary themes, central amongst them is the fact that the Abrahamic promises that Jesus ultimately fulfilled are for everyone, not just Jews. Paul, especially in Galatians but in many other letters, elaborates on the implications for this.

The quote of his which best sums up my response to your theories about how Christianity was "romanised" is, "To the Jews I become a Jew. To the Greeks I become Greek. I am all things to all men for the sake of the Gospel". Christianity is not meant to be "Hebrew", it never was truly "Romanised". Christianity is meant to be for all people in all times in all cultures.

It can be clearly shown that it does this by charting its historical eras. Initially it was a Jewish movement in Palestine. Then it became a European movement under the influence of the early church's expansion. In the Enlightenment it crossed the ocean and became a dominantly North American movement and today it is going south quite rapidly and South America, Africa and South East Asia host the most vibrant, authentic and exciting voices.

Puck admirably described the Messianic community. I think there is a group in Wexford. I am sure they are scattered around Ireland.

BrianCalgary

There are Messianic Jews right in my building. We went to a passover supper last year and it was a great experience.
And Puck, the chairs were comfy and there was lots of food.

There are many Jews who are coming to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

nubbintom

Ever see this group, Jews for Jesus, interesting read www.jewsforjesus.org they were on the TV a while back.

UU

Thanks all for your replies.

It was really interesting what Excelsior said that Jesus is universal and not specificly limited to one culture but rather all races and nations. His message covers all of humankind.

Yes I believe I have heard of Messaic Jews. I wasn't sure if they followed Jesus or not. I'm rather fond of the Jewish culture (except for Zionism) and it would be nice to celebrate Passover once in a while!